Your insight into Ukip confirmed what I suspected. Scratch the surface and under the cheery pint of bitter and talk of "common sense" lies a rancid, reactionary party, hoovering up votes not just from the Conservatives, but from the BNP, too. Keith AngusLondon N1

Ukip's Peter Reeve and Lisa Duffy complain about the strain put on housing, benefits and schools due to immigration. They seem blissfully unaware of any extra strain that may be put on these services by their own six children. The reality is that unfettered population growth is far more of a challenge to our institutions and resources than immigration.David AshworthSt Annes-on-Sea, Lancashire

As the son of an escapee second world war pilot who spent more than three years in a POW camp after being shot down in 1941, I resent Ukip using his kind to prop up an anti-European and anti-immigration position. My dad, UK citizen, half-Maltese, half-Bosnian, born in Egypt, would never have recognised this stance. Despite the hardship he endured in camp, in later years he was impressed by Germany, as we should be. Paul Bonett Brighton

Well, this is a big step in the right direction. And pushing this will be the friend of America… consumerism. The tax implications are huge. The war on drugs was lost decades ago (since alcohol was legalised, or nicotine, which kills more people). More states are sure to follow, with countries in Europe close behind. Can't wait for the hypocrisy to end.Matt H Gloucester

You describe the final picture in Boushra Almutawakel's series – a totally black, featureless rectangle – as "a humorous touch". The smiling faces in the first picture, the mother's loving hands holding her daughter, the treasured doll have all been obliterated. I find this extraordinarily moving. But "humorous"? No. Janet BakerWakefield

I hoped it was intentional irony that led Lucy Mangan to illustrate her article on microaggressions with not just one but two examples of microagression against overweight people ("fat bellies and multiple chins wobbling with glee", "fat-bellied plutocrats"). Finding another example – "consciences flabbier than their inner thighs" – in her previous week's article has made me wonder if I am being generous.Simon StrongHertford

Once again we have a flippant answer to a child's serious question. While some children may be amused by humour, many really want their questions answered. Isn't it time you asked real experts, rather than comedians and writers who hide their lack of knowledge beneath banter? Our children's questions deserve more respect.Deborah DuffinTotnes, Devon

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